Economic Potential Of Dual Market Access Must Be Recognised – SDLP

Northern Ireland must realise the economic potential of dual market access, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said.

Mr Eastwood was speaking after questioning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his Protocol deal in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Mr Eastwood challenged the PM to commit to investing in infrastructure and higher education in the North to maximise the benefits of dual market access.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "I welcome the acknowledgement from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the unique economic position the North is in due to being part of the EU single market. Throughout the Protocol negotiations the SDLP stressed the importance of retaining this for people and businesses here and it's vitally important that this was in the agreement.

"Businesses have been clear that they want to explore the benefits of dual market access, this is a real opportunity to grow our economy that we cannot afford to waste. To fully maximise these benefits we need to see investment from the British government in infrastructure and higher education so that our cities are equipped to make the most of this opportunity and so that we can retain and train our young people to fill the skilled positions this investment will bring.

"This is a real chance to supercharge our economy and secure the jobs and investment that has often eluded us. To make the most of this we need all of our parties to work together with our business sector and the British and Irish governments so that we can realise our full potential. We must also see stability in our politics that can only come with functioning institutions at Stormont and I hope to see progress on that in the near future."